Dean (University of Newcastle)

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I’m Diyanath, I’m a final year student at the University of Newcastle.  

My project combines cancer biology and genomics with bioinformatics and data science to investigate the genetic associations of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.

I use large clinical and genomic datasets to examine how genomic variants (changes in DNA) are linked to disease risk and progression in patients with these blood cancers. Developing tools to predict how early-stage chronic leukemia will progress helps us learn more about the underlying disease mechanisms. We can also identify patients who are at higher risk and may benefit from earlier treatment while sparing others going through tough chemotherapy they may not actually need. As part of a research group with many international collaborators, I also had the opportunity to contribute to the largest genetic study of its kind (a GWAS meta-analysis) on Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This study uncovered new genetic factors that influence who is at risk and how the disease develops which will help us understand why only some people develop blood cancer and brings us closer to creating better, more targeted treatments.

I found the bioinformatics techniques used in my project really interesting and I absolutely enjoy the coding and visualization aspects of my work.

When applying to DiMeN I believe having prior experience in industry and academia with several co-authorships definitely helped my application.  My advice to potential and new students would be to always show your scientific curiosity and enthusiasm. And remember doing a PhD is a marathon not a sprint. 

As an international applicant coming from a low-resource research setting, I am deeply grateful to the MRC and the DiMeN DTP. DiMeN offers exceptional training and skill-development opportunities, and I truly appreciate the support and structure it provides.